United Way Foundation honors Joe and Margaret Richebourg Temple for humanitarian efforts

United Way of Martin County Foundation recently honored Joe and Margaret Richebourg Temple with the 2019 Frances Langford Humanitarian Award during a reception held at Sailfish Point Country Club.

The couple was honored for their ongoing philanthropic endeavors directly benefiting United Way as well as a multitude of nonprofit organizations throughout the community. Both Joe and Margaret can boast of stellar careers – he was Executive Vice President of Dow Chemical and CEO and Chairman of the Board of Marion Merrell Dow. Margaret had a groundbreaking career in the cable TV industry, where she was VP of Marketing for HBO and owned her own national marketing firm.

However, it is the couple’s heartfelt compassion that earned them the prestigious Frances Langford Humanitarian Award that recognizes community leaders, who, like Langford, demonstrate the caring commitment and compassion for humanity in their lives and deeds. Margaret describes Joe as “the quiet person who does extraordinary things.” While he has been a consistent supporter of United Way and other nonprofits for decades, he would prefer to be praised in his humble way as a good husband, father and grandfather. “Margaret is the one you want to look at,” Joe says. “Anyone can give money. She gives of herself.”

Margaret’s volunteer work with Hibiscus Children’s Center, the Elliott Museum, Soroptimist International of Stuart, LEADERship Martin County, Treasure Cost Hospice, Martin Health System and SafeSpace earned her the Soroptimist of Stuart’s Women of Distinction Award for Volunteer of the Year in 2007. The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award reception is the signature event of the United Way of Martin County Foundation, an independent public charity uniquely positioned to accept legacy gifts and build an endowment fund to meet the current and future unmet needs of Martin County.

The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award is a signature piece by sculptor Geoffrey C. Smith created especially for the United Way of Martin County Foundation.

Top reception sponsors included Bob and Jan Crandall, Bill and Audrey Crandall, Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James and US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, John and Linda Loewenberg, and H.W. Lichtenberger. United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to enhance healthy living, improve education and support financial stability. For more information about United Way of Martin County, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org or call 772-283-4800, ext. 227.